Billi Pod Walked From Yankee Stadium Back To His Apartment

I DID IT!!

Yes, my loyal and faithful readers and followers out there in the morass known as cyberspace, yesterday Billi Pod scratched another “item” from his Bucket List. What am I talking about those of you not on FaceBook are no doubt breathlessly asking? Well ... here’s what I mean.

Yesterday’s entertainment event was game 2 of the YANKEES/ANGELS series at Yankee Stadium, The House That Greed And Ego Built, located, as almost everyone knows, in The Bronx.

As I had previously posted, Billi Pod has been wanting to walk back from the stadium following an afternoon game for some time but for a number of reasons it had never happened. He still harbored that idea when he arrived at the stadium for the game.

It was an overcast afternoon with temperatures in the mid-80s but with kinda high humidity. He decided he wouldn’t make a final decision until the game was over.

And what a game it was. We got a decent outing from Freddie Garcia, who left the game after 5 innings with a 4-3 lead. The bull pen then produced 4 innings of shutout ball and the Yankees won 5-3.

Once again our runs came on the long ball with homers from Robbie Cano and Curtis Granderson. It was a very exciting game.

When the game was over I decided that I would give the walk a try. It was 4:11pm when I left the stadium. It was still a bit overcast. I was dressed in black shorts and a Yankee T-shirt. I didn’t have the usual backpack.

I had previously planned and scouted-out the route so I knew what to do. I walked across the East River on the Macombs Bridge to Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (7th Avenue) and then South to 110th Street, where ACP Blvd ends at Central Park.

At Central Park I continued South down Central Park West (8th Avenue) to 62nd Street, Lincoln Center, where I crossed over to 9th Avenue for the final leg back to PHC at 420 W. 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues.

It was taking a bit longer than I had anticipated because I stopped 3 times for water, a banana, and brief rests. Also, from the stadium to 100th Street it is basically an uphill walk but from 100th to 42nd Street it is downhill.

Luckily I was in the shade probably 90% of the way but the humidity was high so I was heavily sweating. Yes ... about halfway the thought did cross my mind that this was basically a stupid ego trip for a 78yo guy. One of the things that I had done in my planning was to choose a route that had easy access to bus and subway lines in the event I developed any problems. Also, I had an updated contact information/meds card in my front pocket, just in case.

When I got to Lincoln Center I was one mile away and I got a tremendous adrenaline rush, no joke, I did, and my pace picked up.

About a block away from PHC I ran into my theater-buddy Phil Parnes, who was headed to the theater, and we had a brief chat. He was impressed with what I had done but when I told him that I had no entertainment plans for the evening he told me that my loyal and faithful readers would not approve of Billi Pod staying in on a Saturday night in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In the World. Oh well ... 

When I got into the lobby at 420 W. 42nd Street it was 7:23pm, It had taken 3 hours and 12 minutes and my Pedometer registered 7.17 miles from the stadium. I HAD DONE IT. F**KING AWESOME!!

Yes, I was tired and drenching in sweat. Drank a lot of water and showered. Was starving so I ate a huge fruit and cheese plate and then settled in front of the tube to watch more baseball, the Rays/F**kSox game, won by the Rays.

As I said, I can now scratch this item from my Bucket List. Some of you may remember that Billi Pod has walked the entire length of Manhattan, from the northern tip down to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, via Broadway.

I am happy to report to you loyal and faithful readers and followers that I feel great this morning, no stiffness, soreness or anything.

This afternoon I will stay in the cool confines of PHC to watch the final game of the YANKEES/ANGELS series @ 1:05pm. Ivan Nova (10-3) will be on the mound for the Bronx Bombers vs. Jered Weaver (10-1) the Angels ace. It should be a interesting and close game.

My entertainment event for the evening is ...

9:00==>TROUBLE: A NEW ROCK MUSICAL - “Eight friends. 24 Hours. So much TROUBLE! Star-crossed lovers, Nick and Jen, find their love threatened by something unexpected. Perfect girl Hannah is hiding a secret from her boyfriend, James, who wants to rekindle things with his ex, Sarah. She, on the other hand, is just trying to move on. Meanwhile, never-been-kissed Joe is striking up drama with the hottest guy in school. After tonight, nothing will ever be the same.” (Off Broadway - discounted TDF ticket).

This show is part of the New York Musical Theater Festival and is playing at a theater in my immediate ‘hood.

Well ... I hope that everyone is having an awesome weekend because Billi Pod certainly is. Rock On!

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>9.45  miles<==AWESOME!!

GO YANKEES AND GO GATORS!!

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

Happy Saturday Everyone.

Happy Saturday Everyone.

Billi Pod is pleased to report to you loyal and faithful readers and followers that last night’s 10:30pm show, REALLY BAD THINGS, a musical tale of power, sex and greed in our nations capital, was enjoyable. 

The 90-minute show is part of the New York Musical Theater Festival. In the past I have opted not to use the usual grading system for shows that are either being showcased or are a part of a festival, such as this one.

I will say that the cast of the show was very talented and did a fine job with what I know was very limited rehearsal time.

Before the show I was in the cool confines of PHC watching the first game of the 3-game YANKEES/ANGELS series. The Bronx Bombers were losing 5-2 going into the bottom of the 8th inning when Mark Teixeira hit a 3-run blast, his second homer, to tie the game and then Russell Martin got a crucial hit to drive in what was the winning run. Soriano got his 21st save and the Yankees won 6-5. Nice!!

Yes, make no mistake about it, this Yankee team lives (and sometimes dies) on the home run ... so all of you neigh sayers just live with it ... remember ... we have the best record in the major leagues.

This afternoon Billi Pod will be at Yankee Stadium, The House That Greed And Ego Built, for the 1:05pm YANKEES/ANGELS game. Freddy Garcia (3-2) will be on the mound for The Bombers vs. Jerome Williams (6-5) for The Angels.

I am seriously thinking about walking back from the Stadium, depending mostly on what the weather is like around 4:30. Right now, at 11:00am, it is a bit overcast and that would be great for the walk. We will see.

The entertainment schedule for tonight will depend on my decision about the walk.

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>3.11 miles

GO YANKEES AND GO GATORS!!

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

Last Smoker In America==>B+

TGIF to all of my loyal and faithful readers and followers and especially to my Worker Bee friends.

Let’s start this posting with Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s entertainment event ...

THE LAST SMOKER IN AMERICA, about a family struggling to survive in a world where smoking has been outlawed==>B+.

I am probably being a bit overgenerous because the show is one of those profane, irreverent shows that Billi Pod loves. It is also extremely well-acted by a stellar cast of 4-performers who sing and dance their hearts out.

The problem with the show is that it is unfocused. It tries to cover adultery, big government, dysfunctional family dynamics, hyperactivity, smoking, personal freedom, religion, lost dreams, anarchy, etc. in 90 minutes and in the process makes the story line very difficult to follow.

Having said that, I have no problem recommending this show and will probably see it again myself.

OK, now let’s move on ...

At long last The Yankees are back at Yankee Stadium, The House That Greed And Ego Built, to begin a 6-game home stand, 3 with the LA Angels and 3 with the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Man, I have really missed baseball during the All-Star Game break. The first game is at 7:05 with Hiroki Kuroda (8-7) on the mound for The Bronx Bombers vs. C.J. Wilson (9-5) for The Angels.

My theater-buddy Marty Kosarik and friends will be attending this game (it is alleged).

So ... Billi Pod plans to stay in the cool confines of PHC to watch the game ... OK ... OK ... hold on before you become too judgmental and begin to flame me with emails, postings and texts ...

Yes ... I know that it is a Friday night ... but ... I have an entertainment event scheduled for AFTER the ball game. Yes ... that’s right my loyal and faithful readers and followers ... an entertainment event AFTER the game ... tada ...

10:30==>REALLY BAD THINGS - “Have you heard? Really Bad Things are happening in Washington D.C.! A musical tale of power, sex and greed in our nations capital, inspired by true events.” (Off Broadway - discounted TDF ticket)

This show is part of the just opened New York Musical Theater Festival (NYMF), which runs from July 9th through July 29th and features 21 full productions, 14 developmental readings and 15 special events. Most of the events will be playing at theaters in my immediate ‘hood.

Moving on ...

As most of us news junkies expected, the just released report by former FBI Director Louis Freeh on the Jerry Sandusky child sex-abuse scandal and the subsequent cover-up at Penn State points the finger of blame directly at now deceased coach Joe Paterno and the higher-ups at the University. All I can say is==>SHAME!!

The NCAA should seriously consider banning the Penn State football program for a period of time.

Moving on ...

BREAKING NEWS==>John Scott Reed's boss Lori Levine, Founder and CEO of Flying Television, starts a weekly segment on Good Afternoon America today, LIVE at 2pm EST on ABC. Scott will be in the Times Square studio as Lori and GossipCop.com's Michael Lewittes discuss: “What is REAL and what is RUMOR in Hollywood.”

Yes, Billi Pod plans to turn on the tube this afternoon and watch this show. Afternoon TV for Billi Pod? Yep ... that is right ... I gotta check out this show.

Well ... Billi Pod hopes that everyone out there in the hinterlands, boondocks and wastelands has an awesome weekend.

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>4.20 miles

GO YANKEES AND GO GATORS!!

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

Hell: Paradise Found==>A-

Yes, I want all of my loyal and faithful readers and followers out there in the hinterlands, wastelands and boondocks to have a great Thursday.

Frankly, Thursday has never been a big day for Billi Pod. It is just between Hump Day and TGIF. Anyway ... moving on to ...

Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s entertainment event HELL: PARADISE FOUND, questioning whether Heaven is really all it is cracked up to be==>A-.

Very funny, well-acted and extremely profane, but it also addresses the serious issue that one day we will be held accountable for our actions and they will determine where we spend eternity.

An interesting side-note==>Seth Panitch, who is the writer, director and one of the performers, is an associate professor of theatre and head of the Master of Fine Arts/Bachelor of Arts acting programs at The University of Alabama. And, most of the cast and production company are either graduating or recently graduated UA department of theatre and dance students.

Meaning that Billi Pod, a mega-Gator, is recommending a show with strong ties to The University of Alabama. Well ... that’s show business ... so just live with it Billi Pod ... just live with it.

Bottom-line==>need a laugh, then see the show. If you are the slightest bit uneasy with religious “satire” and irreverent comedy then stay far far away.

Tonight’s entertainment event is ... 

8:00==>THE LAST SMOKER IN AMERICA - “A raucous and irreverent four-character musical comedy about a dysfunctional family struggling to survive in a world where smoking has recently been outlawed.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This is playing at a theater in my immediate ‘hood. I think it will fall into the “love-it or hate-it” category. 

This is what my theater-buddy Marty Kosarik had to say about it on his FaceBook Wall: “Just saw the new musical The Last Smoker In America. Very stupid. Not believable at all. COMPLETELY entertaining! Laugh out loud FUN!”

So ... we will just have to see for ourselves.

I want to share some information with you loyal and faithful readers and followers about the major downside of living in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World. What am I talking about I know you are all asking your inner selves ... well ... this is it ...

Manhattan rents are soaring to their highest levels in two years. The "average" monthly rent in Manhattan is $3,778, up 9 percent in a year. OMFG!!

These are the current “average” rents in Manhattan:

Studio - $2,569

1-bedroom - $3,386

2-bedroom - $4,686

3-bedroom - $6,940

Yeah, I know ... these numbers are indeed "OMFG" inducing. I have another year to go on my current lease, but, honestly, I don’t foresee any possibility of a rental downturn in the immediate future. Oh well ... 

So, on this happy note I will post this and then go on a walk-and-wander session, probably down in Chelsea.

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>4.15 miles

GO YANKEES AND GO GATORS!!

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

Harold And Maude Still Earns An A+

Happy Hump Day to all of my loyal and faithful readers and followers and especially to all of you Worker Bees who are toiling away at your mundane and boring jobs so that we poor retirees can maintain our meager and austere standard-of-living here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World. 

Please keep at it!! Actually, come to think of it, you have no choice because Worker Bees never retire, they just keep on working until they drop dead ... so ... keep at it ... 

Anyway ... moving on ...

Billi Pod is happy to report that yesterday’s staged reading of HAROLD AND MAUDE, the quintessential May-December romance between death-obsessed teenager, Harold, and 79yr-old Maude merits an==>A+<==the same rating it got when I saw back on April 14th 2012 as part of the York Theatre’s “Musicals In Mufti” series.

I was there as a member of Dian Crystal’s posse which included me, Marty Kosarik and Vera Olichney. For whatever reason My Lady seated herself and Vera on the front row and consigned/relegated Marty and me to the rear hinterlands. Why, My Lady, why? What had we done wrong? What??

The house was full and almost everyone appeared to be really into the show. Again the chemistry between the two leads, Matt Dengler and Cass Morgan, was apparent, even for a staged-reading. I thought that Dengler’s portrayal of Harold was spot-on==>both believable and interesting. He has a great voice and stage presence for such a young performer.

Donna English, Steve Routman, and the very funny Donna Lynne Champlin provide strong support.

I hope the show can find the necessary financial backing for an Off Broadway run.

Had a great time last night with John Scott Reed aka Fabson. When he got off work he came over to PHC and we did some much needed catching up about things and stuff in our respective lives here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.

Then we had awesome burgers at 5 Napkin Burger located at 45th and 9th Avenue in my ‘hood. We were later joined by Scott’s friend Bernard Lam aka Harley Man who rode his Harley from his Chelsea residence up to my Hell’s Kitchen ‘hood.

I know some of you loyal and faithful readers and followers have expressed some degree of skepticism over my references to having a Harley in Manhattan. Well, this picture taken after dinner is proof of its existence.

But ... dammit-to-Hell ... they wouldn’t let Billi Pod drive the Harley around the block, no matter how much he whined, pleaded and begged. Oh well ... maybe next time.

When we split I came back to PHC to watch the final innings of the All-Star Game. The National League team was leading 8-0, the final score. Boring. Now the NL will have home field advantage in The World Series for the 3rd consecutive year. Barf!

Tonight’s entertainment event is ...

7:30==>HELL: PARADISE FOUND - “Recently deceased lawyer Simon Ackerman is desperate to get into Hell, which suddenly turns out to be far preferable to the celestial alternative. Standing in his way are other proud denizens of the deep-down, including Shakespeare, Sinatra, and a terribly chic Mother Teresa.” (Off Broadway - $9.00 TDF ticket)

This show is playing at the 59E59 Theater, one of my favorite venues. It certainly sounds interesting doesn’t it?

BREAKING NEWS==>“The Off-Broadway sellout sensation, SILENCE! THE MUSICAL, is set to move to the brand new Elektra Theatre @ 42nd Street and 8th Avenue in the heart of Times Square, with performances beginning next Wednesday, July 18th.” (On-line press release)

Wow, from its origins in a basement theater in St. Marks Place in the East Village to Times Square. That is something.

Have a great Hump Day everyone.

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>4.66 miles

GO YANKEES AND GO GATORS!!

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

Breaking News==>Customer Service Responds

OK, my loyal and faithful readers and followers, this is the email response that I just received ...

**********

From: "Petrones, Kathleen"

Date: July 10, 2012 11:49:18 AM EDT

To: "wanjr@aol.com"

Subject: Concert Experience

Hello William,

Thanks for taking the time to write about your experience here at the stadium. I want to apologize for the vendors actions during the concert. Obviously, that type of behavior and language is never condoned by any associates working here at the stadium. We do our best to train all associates on positively adding to the guest experience not interfering with it.

I have shared your feedback with the vending manager. We will address your concerns with all of the vendors, since we can’t identify the individuals responsible for this poor behavior, prior to the next event and reiterate to them all the importance of always being conscious of the guests. We will also make sure to remind them about the differences in vending at a special event versus a baseball game and that this type of situation is never tolerated. We always do our very best to provide excellent guest experiences here at the stadium and I am very sorry you didn’t receive such an experience.

While feedback like this isn’t always pleasant to receive it does help us to become aware of and fix issues in our operation and for that I thank you. I hope you have a wonderful day and I am happy to hear that as a season ticket holder you don’t have any major complaints! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me should you have any further questions or comments.

Sincerest Apologies,

Kathleen

Kathleen Petrones

Customer Service Manager

Legends Hospitality, LLC

Yankee Stadium

One East 161st Street; Bronx, NY 10451

(O) 646.977.8498 (F) 718.838.6965

****************

Well, at least they responded. Notice that they didn’t say they would be stopping vendors from peddling their stuff once the concert starts.

Don’t know if I will further respond or not.

Bill

A Great New York Philharmonic Concert

It is a beautiful morning here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World. At 10:00am it is 73º and the high is predicted to be only 84º - nice.

Last night’s entertainment event, NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC @ Avery Fisher Hall - “Tchaikovsky Festival,” was wonderful, especially 33-year-old Macedonian pianist Simon Trpceski performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 2.

This particular piece is rarely performed because it is so difficult that even the most accomplished pianists choose to avoid it if possible. I had a great seat on the aisle in row T, house left, so I had a perfect sight line to witness the almost mind-boggling hand movements. It was incredible, it really was.

When the performance was over the audience gave Trpceski a well-deserved roaring standing ovation, a rarity at New York Philharmonic concerts.

The final number was the "1812 Overture" and it was outstanding.

When the concert was over the weather was really nice and balmy so Billi Pod decided to walk back to PHC. It felt sooooooooooooooo good!!.

What is on my agenda for today I know you loyal and faithful readers and followers are breathlessly awaiting? Well ...

This afternoon at 2:00==>a staged reading of HAROLD AND MAUDE - “The quintessential May-December romance begins when a death-obsessed teenager, Harold, meets Maude, 79, at a funeral.” (free ticket).

This is an “invitation-only” event at The York Theatre where the show had an earlier run as part of their “Musical’s In Mufti” series. I am assuming that this is being done for potential investors in preparation for an Off Broadway run. The reading will reunite the original cast. 

I really enjoyed this show when I saw it on April 14, 2012. It is a lot of fun.

Tonight will meet up with John Scott Reed aka Fabson for dinner and some much needed facetime.

At this point I am uncertain if we will catch a bite in my Hell’s Kitchen ‘hood or in his East Village ‘hood.

What about the All-Star Game at 8:00pm on Fox? Well, frankly, I could care less. These are usually very boring games. I might consider watching the last innings if I get back to PHC in time. If not ... so what ...

Oh ... are you surprised that Tom Kat and Katie Holmes reached a settlement that gives her primary physical custody of their daughter Suri? Well, honestly I am. I think there were too many dark secrets hiding in Tom Kat’s closet for him and/or his church to permit the case to be tried in public ... jus sayin ...

No word yet from customerservice@yankees.com

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>3.53 miles.

GO YANKEES AND GO GATORS!!

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”